Somehow, flip phones have returned. For the last several years, phones like the Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr have become more commonplace in a sea of flat slabs. But while flip phones sell by the millions each year, there are still a ton of people who are wary of foldable phones or question the purpose of flip phones.
I've used Motorola Razr (and some Galaxy Z Flip) phones for the past few years, and while I'm always stopped by people who express how cool the phones are, I've also met with some apprehension. Much of this is usually focused on durability, while some are simply disappointed that it's not an iPhone.
Cyber Monday flip phone deals
Pocketability
One aspect of flip phones that instantly enticed me was their pocketability. Larger foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold maintain a normal smartphone size and expand out to something akin to a small tablet. However, a flip phone starts at a normal smartphone size and shrinks to roughly half that when closed.
Android Central's Jerry Hildenbrand loves this about his Razr 2024, and Nick Sutrich's wife also enjoys how the Razr Plus 2024 can easily fit in any purse or pocket. Motorola and Samsung have also leaned in on this a bit with accessories like ring stand cases for the Galaxy Z Flip or crossbody cases/straps for the Motorola Razr.
The only downside is that folding it in half essentially doubles the phone's thickness, so it may protrude more from your pocket. Fortunately, phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 are addressing this with noticeably thinner bodies.
Cover screen
For me, the cover screen is probably my favorite part about using a flip phone like the excellent Razr Ultra 2025. For most devices, this is a great way to check notifications, respond to messages, and quickly glance at updates without opening your phone and being distracted by your full screen.
They become even more functional with larger cover screens on newer models. On the Motorola Razr series, you can use your apps on the cover screen without opening the phone. Just select the apps you want to access on the cover screen, arrange them how you want, and you're good to go.
The process takes a bit more setup on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, but you can still use your apps on the cover screen.
Scaling isn't always perfect, but for me, this is a great way to use apps more inconspicuously than if they filled your entire main screen, which is better for privacy in public spaces.
Camera tricks
This goes hand in hand with why I love the cover screen, but there's more you can do with a flip phone camera than with a regular smartphone. It's easy to take high-quality selfies with the primary camera because you can use the cover screen as a viewfinder. Furthermore, if you're taking a photo of someone else, you can show a preview of the viewfinder on the cover screen so they can see themselves before you take a photo. People love this feature (I know I do).
The flip phone's design lets you ditch the tripod for group shots. Just set the phone down and angle the hinge with the camera and cover screen viewfinder enabled. This makes it easy to capture hands-free photos and videos, making it great for TikTok videos, too!
Finally, Motorola and Samsung flip phones come with an Auto Camcorder feature that transforms your phone into a mini camcorder. Fold the phone at a 90-degree angle, and the camera UI transforms so you can hold it like you would a camcorder and capture smoother video. It's really quite neat and makes you feel a bit like a filmmaker.
They're actually durable
People are justifiably concerned about the longevity of foldable phones. After all, it's a folding piece of glass. In the early days, we saw plenty of examples of foldables cracking, failing, and ultimately proving why most consumers should shy away from these devices until companies made them more durable and reliable.
Fortunately, in the year of our lord 2025, foldables are much more durable than they used to be. Most foldables have a high water resistance rating, meaning they can be submerged without issue. Newer foldables even have dust resistance, so you shouldn't have to worry as much about small particles messing up the internals (like the hinge).
Furthermore, the glass and folding mechanisms have also improved. The display crease is much less noticeable, and displays have been tested to withstand more than 400,000 folds without faltering, which should result in years of use.
The pure nostalgia
If you're a millennial like me, then you should fully remember the days of the original Razr. Flip phones were all the rage in the early 2000s, and modernized versions have brought them into the smartphone age. That said, the nostalgia is still fully there, and one of the best things about having a flip phone is being able to flip it open to answer a call, then dramatically slam it shut to end the call.
I don't think there's anything wrong with companies leaning on nostalgia to help sell a phone, so long as they do it right and the phones are actually good. Motorola is probably the best at this, adopting exciting colors and textures for its phones and even recruiting Paris Hilton to promote and launch her own Razr color and accessories.
What's old is new again, and the flip phone is a tech trend I'm happy to see making a comeback.
More Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links
- Best Buy: major discounts on Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
- Amazon: official Black Friday discounts on tablets, smart home tech
- Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
- Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
- Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
- T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
- Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
- AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
More Cyber Monday coverage - The best Google Pixel deals of Cyber Monday
- The best Samsung deals of Cyber Monday
- The best Motorola deals of Cyber Monday
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